The Green Suite: How Lifestyle Hotels Are Leading The Charge in Sustainable Practices
Ever noticed how your favorite eco boutique or lifestyle hotel has taken a greater interest in the 'green' factor? Started using organic toiletries, perhaps? Or maybe they’ve instituted a linen-reuse program to save water? Maybe there's even a lush, edible garden growing atop the hotel you’re staying in. Yes, my friend, we’re not in Kansas anymore! These are the signs of a broader trend of sustainability in lifestyle hotels, let's dig into it.
More Than Just Greenwashing
With the world taking serious steps towards environmental conservation, lifestyle hotels are striving to do their part to preserve Mother Earth. And this isn’t mere greenwashing either. In fact, according to a study by Cornell University, 75% of hotel guests are willing to participate in eco programs during their stay, discrediting the old adage that sustainability comes at the cost of convenience or luxury.1
The Farm-To-Table is Now Room-To-Room
Inspired by farm-to-table food sourcing, many hotels are launching similar initiatives. From sourcing local organic toiletries (Hello, soya-wax candles!), to implementing in-room recycling programs, hotels are proving that every aspect of the hotel experience can be 'green'. So if you find yourself snacking on an apple from the hotel's rooftop garden, remember to toss those cores into the right bin!
Building Sustainably
Hotels are also rethinking their infrastructure, opting for LEED-certified buildings and renewable energy sources. Some even feature rooftop gardens that provide both a peaceful escape for guests and a habitat for local wildlife. It's a concrete jungle out there, ...literally. These little green oases are quite a welcome break.
Making Green Choices Easy
Another important trend in the lifestyle hotel space is helping guests make sustainable choices without even realizing it. From providing bikes for local transport to reducing single-use plastics, the focus is on making ‘going green’ the easiest and most comfortable choice. It's all about making sustainable chic the new norm. Forget about dragging that heavy suitcase around, bounce on that shiny bike, and get rolling with the city vibes!
References:
- [1] - https://scholarship.sha.cornell.edu/articles/1176/ (Cornell University, "Hotel Guests’ Preferences for Green Hotel Attributes")